Perfection. We held our wedding banquet here on Saturday (August 23) and it exceeded our high expectations in every way possible. Our meetings with the owner/chef David and manager Apple were attentive, thorough, creative, and effortless. They designed (and revised) the menu until we had what we believed was the right combination of hors d'oevres, wines, and main course. The decor is wonderful. The Inn dates back to less than 40 years after the founding of our country. The surveyors Mason and Dixon dined in the very room where our reception was held. The menu received raves from every guest: oysters, charcuterie, cheese puffs, crispy chicken, filet mignon, scallops, au gratin potatoes, quinoa and fresh peas, pear salad, white gazpacho. The service was impeccable: discreet, attentive, prompt, cordial, efficient, anticipating our every need before we even knew we needed it! One had to barely glance at a wine glass before the staff was there. We regularly enjoy both the Inn and the 4 Dogs. They went above and beyond and made an already perfect day even more so (if possible.) Thank you!!
(5)
Victoria W.
Never made it as far as actually arriving at the restaurant. Called to make a reservation and a very clipped abrupt lady informed me that they don't take reservations for 2 people. Not a thanks for calling or a hello or goodbye just a "yup" and that was it. Forget it honey there are other choices and if you are representative of the service level, I think we'll give it a miss all together .... Booked the Mendenhall instead, got through to someone polite who took and thanked us for the reservation !!!
(1)
Susan J.
New American food is excellently prepared in this classic SE Pa historical inn and tavern. Same menu at both the 4Dog tavern and the more elegant Marshalton dining room across the lot (we ate in the latter). Sides of potato, chard, asparagus were perfectly seasoned and accompanied the delectable crab cakes and lamb chop. Service is friendly and efficient. House-made desserts, especially the berry crumble and toasted nut ice cream are worth it. Not the old fussy place anymore, although clientele in the formal restaurant was middle-aged plus. Younger folks, some with kids, were seen at the tavern, eating the same food and hearing live music.
(4)
Doug J.
Had lunch with friends at Four Dogs and sat outside on a nice afternoon. Honestly, had not been here for many years, but really enjoyed our lunch. Service was great...thanks Nate...and portions were very big, so might be best to pay the Sharing Fee and split things...there is ample for two. Would have given it five stars, but was a bit disappointed with the homemade ice cream...one was particularly "old" tasting...may have been in the freezer too long. Headed back for a patio dinner sometime soon.
(4)
Charlie N.
Picture what it must have been like to eat at a tavern over 219 years ago in an early American village...dim candles lighting a dining room, tables laughing softly with warm conversation. That's what Marshallton Inn is like still to this day. And it is 219 years old. We shared a bottle of wine and ate delicious dishes such as the cream of mushroom soup and the bacon-wrapped saddle of rabbit over a bed of Gorgonzola polenta. Great food, great atmosphere. You could almost picture people in colonial garb enjoying exactly the same meal...
(4)
j m.
Always a fine, classy place outside of the West Chester, Downingtown cluster. Relaxing atmosphere, excellent menu, and one of the best chef's in the area. We sit many times at the bar, which has the same menu, and not as dressy. If the Inn is not open, (sometimes during weekdays) we go across the parking lot to the Four Dogs Tavern (formerly Oyster Bar) which has the same quality food prepared by the same owners. Either choice, you can not go wrong. Daily specials change with the seasons, and don't miss the Spaghetti and Meatballs on Mondays. Yes, the five stars truly means it is as good as it gets!
(5)
Ray R.
The look of the restaurant had a very nice appeal; that is what brought us in to begin with. However, we were unimpressed with the food--to the point where we could not finish it. My wife had to send back her short ribs (we both agreed that the pile of pulled beef was hardly edible), and I gagged on my crispy chicken, and had to spit it out. The sauces were all very rich, but far from being decadent or indulgent, we found them cloying and sickening. As another reviewer had mentioned, when we arrived we found it odd that we were the only patrons in the restaurant at 6:45 PM. After the meal, we were less perplexed.
(2)
James W.
Came under new management in 2006 and has become a fast favorite with friends and family. Established in 1814, the bar is woody and reeks of history and comfort. The chef and proprietor David is friendly and can often be found (when it's not too busy) chatting with patrons at the bar. There's excellent wine selections and they make the best of their three beer taps, usually offering a classic like Leffe or Stella, something seasonal from a microbrew like Rogue, and something interesting from brewers like Allagash or Bell's. The restaurant is classic historic Pennsylvania - wood burning in the fireplace, impeccable linens and settings and antique paintings and furnishings. I brought family here twice in the last two weeks for dinner and on both occasions the whole group went away happy and satisfied. David's menu is cheese-centric to say the least and he makes no bones about his passion for the fromage. Fondue is featured as well as creative and innovative seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. I never thought I'd pay $16 for macaroni and cheese. Now I do so happily - the Marshallton Inn has the best I've ever tasted - bar none. But, if you order it, share with a friend. There's enough for four to enjoy it and not feel too guilty. The Marshalton Inn has ample outdoor seating and recently built a porch on the front of the building to add more. On brisk fall and spring evenings they have a few chimeneas burning outside with rocking chairs, blankets, marshmallows and sticks so that patrons can relax and roast some marshamallows. How nice is that? The Marshallton Inn is next-door to the Four Dogs Saloon, also under the same ownership. For dining, the Marshallton Inn is definitely the upmarket choice. Four Dogs: yelp.com/biz/four-dogs-t… This Review in Philadelphia Inquirer has more info about the Inn: philly.com/philly/restau…
(5)
Curtis F.
Of course the Marshallton Inn is a charming space in a building on the National Historic Register - great old bar and all lit by candlelight. Hard to mess up the ambiance - although the flat screen blaring the football game was a distraction. We had to go searching for the bartender, maitre de, or waitstaff - only to realize they were all the same person. Odd - a good 5-10 minutes to find anyone in the restaurant to wait on us for drinks. Service definitely needs an improvement - it continued to be sub par - dirty dishes not cleared, courses served to different people at different times, etc. The food was delicious - from the cod, to the slow roasted pork to the crispy chicken. All flavorful, hot and well presented. Caesar salad was also notably tasty. For desert carmel ice cream with sea salt - a good finish. If they could anty up better service - my rating would increase as well.
(3)
Edmond B.
We are big fans of the Marshalton Inn. For dinner, their Prix Fix is hard to beat and I tell all my friends back in Manhattan about this incredible find. I know this may sound odd, but there is nothing better in the world than coming back from a corn maize, passing the rocking chairs and the smell of burning wood, and walking into the front room of the Inn. As much as we love the dinner, it is the breakfast that won us over. As hard as this may be to believe, their scrambled eggs are amazing. The service is also incredibly friendly and welcoming. A great experience.
(5)
kay m.
a concise menu and chef as owner or principal sometimes = really really good. that was the case at Marshalton Inn on our first visit February 9, 2008. very creative nuances blended with comfort items done to perfection. our group ordered a nice variety of dishes and we were all very pleased. i actually ordered two "petite plates" in lieu of an entree - mmmmmmmwaaaah! the mac & cheese is "2 die 4". our first choice on the wine list was not available, but an appealing second option was enjoyed by all. we were seated in a corner table in the front room which had a nice candlelit colonial ambience, but the natural lighting made it challenging for some to read the menu - the room behind had wall sconces and was better lit. we will definitely return as long as this chef is here. Marshalton Inns offers Sunday Brunch 11 AM-3 PM. you can view the menu online at their website. marshaltoninn.com/marshi… if you are so inclined, you can preview the wine list online as well and plan your meal & wine pairings. we were all interested in the Prix Fixe menu, but i believe that is only offered on Wednesday nights. it looks to be good bang for your buck. if i heard correctly, they offer one or two BYOB nights. i would call & ask before booking if either appeals to you more than the straight menu. the night we were there i used facilities upstairs and saw rooms that would accompany groups and/or parties of varying sizes. i would give Marshalton Inn five stars for the food and four stars for service, which was above average but not stellar.
(4)
Safrona O.
Wow, this is a very good restaurant. Starting with Al the bartender mixing up very good Cosmos, to Alberto, our waiter, David, the chef and his lovely wife, the pastry gal--it was a delicious experience that I highly recommend. Especially good for meetings and social gatherings. The upstairs banquet rooms are classy and cozy!
(4)
Ray H.
My wife and I have visited many times before, usually with a reservation. Tonight (Friday) we went w/o reservation and found an empty establishment but much as the others have mentioned - very warm and comforting atmosphere. The positives: food is always excellent - tonight was short ribs and filet plus the mac/cheese to start. We ended with creme brulee and the puff pastry. The question marks - service always seem a bit slow - I think our server was also bartending which is usually a sign of a very slow restaurant (usually NOT a good sign) - our bottle of wine sat warming for quite a bit as an ice bucket could not be found which hurt the crispness a little - not good in a white. Another couple came in about 1/2 way through the meal. Oddly, with a wide open restaurant they were seated practically on top of us - so much for the shortened privacy. Finally - I have to wonder how a place keeps the food fresh if they are only open 2-3 days a week - I am assuming that unless I contract food poisoning in the next day or two then we're okay. All this aside - the food still reigns supreme. Menu could use a little more creativity - same menu as several months ago. Try it if you have not.
(3)
Peter Y.
Very nice experience from the ambiance to the food. The bar was pretty cool with its old towering wooden backing. Very warm place to hang out for a while. Dinner itself was really, really good. I had the prime rib. It was perfect if a bit huge (no complaint though). I tried the house cab with it and it was a perfect match. The sides were equally well done. I couldn't finish dinner but felt obligated to try the lemon marange. It was good if a bit different (and much colder) than I a accustomed. I couldn't finish it and to my chagrin, it had melted the next morning. Regardless, this was a very nice dinner and a place I intend to revisit.
(4)
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Address :1300 W Strasburg Rd
West Chester, PA, 19382
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Robert L.
Perfection. We held our wedding banquet here on Saturday (August 23) and it exceeded our high expectations in every way possible. Our meetings with the owner/chef David and manager Apple were attentive, thorough, creative, and effortless. They designed (and revised) the menu until we had what we believed was the right combination of hors d'oevres, wines, and main course. The decor is wonderful. The Inn dates back to less than 40 years after the founding of our country. The surveyors Mason and Dixon dined in the very room where our reception was held. The menu received raves from every guest: oysters, charcuterie, cheese puffs, crispy chicken, filet mignon, scallops, au gratin potatoes, quinoa and fresh peas, pear salad, white gazpacho. The service was impeccable: discreet, attentive, prompt, cordial, efficient, anticipating our every need before we even knew we needed it! One had to barely glance at a wine glass before the staff was there. We regularly enjoy both the Inn and the 4 Dogs. They went above and beyond and made an already perfect day even more so (if possible.) Thank you!!
(5)Victoria W.
Never made it as far as actually arriving at the restaurant. Called to make a reservation and a very clipped abrupt lady informed me that they don't take reservations for 2 people. Not a thanks for calling or a hello or goodbye just a "yup" and that was it. Forget it honey there are other choices and if you are representative of the service level, I think we'll give it a miss all together .... Booked the Mendenhall instead, got through to someone polite who took and thanked us for the reservation !!!
(1)Susan J.
New American food is excellently prepared in this classic SE Pa historical inn and tavern. Same menu at both the 4Dog tavern and the more elegant Marshalton dining room across the lot (we ate in the latter). Sides of potato, chard, asparagus were perfectly seasoned and accompanied the delectable crab cakes and lamb chop. Service is friendly and efficient. House-made desserts, especially the berry crumble and toasted nut ice cream are worth it. Not the old fussy place anymore, although clientele in the formal restaurant was middle-aged plus. Younger folks, some with kids, were seen at the tavern, eating the same food and hearing live music.
(4)Doug J.
Had lunch with friends at Four Dogs and sat outside on a nice afternoon. Honestly, had not been here for many years, but really enjoyed our lunch. Service was great...thanks Nate...and portions were very big, so might be best to pay the Sharing Fee and split things...there is ample for two. Would have given it five stars, but was a bit disappointed with the homemade ice cream...one was particularly "old" tasting...may have been in the freezer too long. Headed back for a patio dinner sometime soon.
(4)Charlie N.
Picture what it must have been like to eat at a tavern over 219 years ago in an early American village...dim candles lighting a dining room, tables laughing softly with warm conversation. That's what Marshallton Inn is like still to this day. And it is 219 years old. We shared a bottle of wine and ate delicious dishes such as the cream of mushroom soup and the bacon-wrapped saddle of rabbit over a bed of Gorgonzola polenta. Great food, great atmosphere. You could almost picture people in colonial garb enjoying exactly the same meal...
(4)j m.
Always a fine, classy place outside of the West Chester, Downingtown cluster. Relaxing atmosphere, excellent menu, and one of the best chef's in the area. We sit many times at the bar, which has the same menu, and not as dressy. If the Inn is not open, (sometimes during weekdays) we go across the parking lot to the Four Dogs Tavern (formerly Oyster Bar) which has the same quality food prepared by the same owners. Either choice, you can not go wrong. Daily specials change with the seasons, and don't miss the Spaghetti and Meatballs on Mondays. Yes, the five stars truly means it is as good as it gets!
(5)Ray R.
The look of the restaurant had a very nice appeal; that is what brought us in to begin with. However, we were unimpressed with the food--to the point where we could not finish it. My wife had to send back her short ribs (we both agreed that the pile of pulled beef was hardly edible), and I gagged on my crispy chicken, and had to spit it out. The sauces were all very rich, but far from being decadent or indulgent, we found them cloying and sickening. As another reviewer had mentioned, when we arrived we found it odd that we were the only patrons in the restaurant at 6:45 PM. After the meal, we were less perplexed.
(2)James W.
Came under new management in 2006 and has become a fast favorite with friends and family. Established in 1814, the bar is woody and reeks of history and comfort. The chef and proprietor David is friendly and can often be found (when it's not too busy) chatting with patrons at the bar. There's excellent wine selections and they make the best of their three beer taps, usually offering a classic like Leffe or Stella, something seasonal from a microbrew like Rogue, and something interesting from brewers like Allagash or Bell's. The restaurant is classic historic Pennsylvania - wood burning in the fireplace, impeccable linens and settings and antique paintings and furnishings. I brought family here twice in the last two weeks for dinner and on both occasions the whole group went away happy and satisfied. David's menu is cheese-centric to say the least and he makes no bones about his passion for the fromage. Fondue is featured as well as creative and innovative seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. I never thought I'd pay $16 for macaroni and cheese. Now I do so happily - the Marshallton Inn has the best I've ever tasted - bar none. But, if you order it, share with a friend. There's enough for four to enjoy it and not feel too guilty. The Marshalton Inn has ample outdoor seating and recently built a porch on the front of the building to add more. On brisk fall and spring evenings they have a few chimeneas burning outside with rocking chairs, blankets, marshmallows and sticks so that patrons can relax and roast some marshamallows. How nice is that? The Marshallton Inn is next-door to the Four Dogs Saloon, also under the same ownership. For dining, the Marshallton Inn is definitely the upmarket choice. Four Dogs: yelp.com/biz/four-dogs-t… This Review in Philadelphia Inquirer has more info about the Inn: philly.com/philly/restau…
(5)Curtis F.
Of course the Marshallton Inn is a charming space in a building on the National Historic Register - great old bar and all lit by candlelight. Hard to mess up the ambiance - although the flat screen blaring the football game was a distraction. We had to go searching for the bartender, maitre de, or waitstaff - only to realize they were all the same person. Odd - a good 5-10 minutes to find anyone in the restaurant to wait on us for drinks. Service definitely needs an improvement - it continued to be sub par - dirty dishes not cleared, courses served to different people at different times, etc. The food was delicious - from the cod, to the slow roasted pork to the crispy chicken. All flavorful, hot and well presented. Caesar salad was also notably tasty. For desert carmel ice cream with sea salt - a good finish. If they could anty up better service - my rating would increase as well.
(3)Edmond B.
We are big fans of the Marshalton Inn. For dinner, their Prix Fix is hard to beat and I tell all my friends back in Manhattan about this incredible find. I know this may sound odd, but there is nothing better in the world than coming back from a corn maize, passing the rocking chairs and the smell of burning wood, and walking into the front room of the Inn. As much as we love the dinner, it is the breakfast that won us over. As hard as this may be to believe, their scrambled eggs are amazing. The service is also incredibly friendly and welcoming. A great experience.
(5)kay m.
a concise menu and chef as owner or principal sometimes = really really good. that was the case at Marshalton Inn on our first visit February 9, 2008. very creative nuances blended with comfort items done to perfection. our group ordered a nice variety of dishes and we were all very pleased. i actually ordered two "petite plates" in lieu of an entree - mmmmmmmwaaaah! the mac & cheese is "2 die 4". our first choice on the wine list was not available, but an appealing second option was enjoyed by all. we were seated in a corner table in the front room which had a nice candlelit colonial ambience, but the natural lighting made it challenging for some to read the menu - the room behind had wall sconces and was better lit. we will definitely return as long as this chef is here. Marshalton Inns offers Sunday Brunch 11 AM-3 PM. you can view the menu online at their website. marshaltoninn.com/marshi… if you are so inclined, you can preview the wine list online as well and plan your meal & wine pairings. we were all interested in the Prix Fixe menu, but i believe that is only offered on Wednesday nights. it looks to be good bang for your buck. if i heard correctly, they offer one or two BYOB nights. i would call & ask before booking if either appeals to you more than the straight menu. the night we were there i used facilities upstairs and saw rooms that would accompany groups and/or parties of varying sizes. i would give Marshalton Inn five stars for the food and four stars for service, which was above average but not stellar.
(4)Safrona O.
Wow, this is a very good restaurant. Starting with Al the bartender mixing up very good Cosmos, to Alberto, our waiter, David, the chef and his lovely wife, the pastry gal--it was a delicious experience that I highly recommend. Especially good for meetings and social gatherings. The upstairs banquet rooms are classy and cozy!
(4)Ray H.
My wife and I have visited many times before, usually with a reservation. Tonight (Friday) we went w/o reservation and found an empty establishment but much as the others have mentioned - very warm and comforting atmosphere. The positives: food is always excellent - tonight was short ribs and filet plus the mac/cheese to start. We ended with creme brulee and the puff pastry. The question marks - service always seem a bit slow - I think our server was also bartending which is usually a sign of a very slow restaurant (usually NOT a good sign) - our bottle of wine sat warming for quite a bit as an ice bucket could not be found which hurt the crispness a little - not good in a white. Another couple came in about 1/2 way through the meal. Oddly, with a wide open restaurant they were seated practically on top of us - so much for the shortened privacy. Finally - I have to wonder how a place keeps the food fresh if they are only open 2-3 days a week - I am assuming that unless I contract food poisoning in the next day or two then we're okay. All this aside - the food still reigns supreme. Menu could use a little more creativity - same menu as several months ago. Try it if you have not.
(3)Peter Y.
Very nice experience from the ambiance to the food. The bar was pretty cool with its old towering wooden backing. Very warm place to hang out for a while. Dinner itself was really, really good. I had the prime rib. It was perfect if a bit huge (no complaint though). I tried the house cab with it and it was a perfect match. The sides were equally well done. I couldn't finish dinner but felt obligated to try the lemon marange. It was good if a bit different (and much colder) than I a accustomed. I couldn't finish it and to my chagrin, it had melted the next morning. Regardless, this was a very nice dinner and a place I intend to revisit.
(4)